2GR-FKS engine failure

No surprise. And Jeeps too. Oh well it doesn't bother me none why would it.

 

I thought the same thing before i bought mine. Granted it was a 2012 Impreza 2.0. (first year of the redesign) Very under powered. Build quality was terrible squeeks and rattles. i probably would have been happier with a WRX but 7k more seemed like a lot to me back then. Not a fan based on my experience.

 

I know this is going to make me sound crazy but I love that ... and I wonder why more car campers are not going this route more often. Those mini vans las forever, handle well and have a ton of space. Removable seats that slide back and forth, sleep inside, etc. Granted, probably not doing extreme off roading but what a great idea for car campers ...

Am I missing something ?

 

I owned a 14 Impreza sold it with 210k, was afraid things would start shitting the bed. Will agree interior quality and rattles was much worse than my Toyota’s. I actullay prefer the way they drive to Toyota’s in terms of engine performance and transmissions. Subaru’s also ride better stock than most Toyota’s. The wrx is a completely different beast, easily worth that 7k, however they have become the car of high school and college drug dealers so there’s that.

 

Because you look like a tool and poser putting a lift, wheels and all terrain tires on a minivan. You can glue a horn on a horse but it doesn’t make it a unicorn.

 

Depends on what your needs are the Sienna comes in AWD. If say you have a place out in podunk where the weather gets harsh. Say you have a long driveway that's not paved or smooth and a family to move. A little bit more ground clearance might be something you would like.
Sometimes function is more important than looks.

 

True ... but who is to say you (not you personally, but the collective you) don't already look like a tool and a poser?

I see nothing wrong with lifting the mini-van. Putting good shocks and tires on it. I would draw the line at front and rear bumper armor though. Wouldn't want to look like a tool !

But on a serious note, a nice mini van with some better shocks and tires (probably doesn't need to be lifted) could be a great car camper.

 

Fair enough, I own a taco because I drive rough dirts roads everyday and it holds up better than a car. My gf who lives with me has broken 3 sway bar mounts on her crv. Just because you upgrade tire and shocks doesn’t mean the rest of the vehicle wilh hold up even to minor abuse.

 

Apparently, I am not alone ... it is a thing ... kind of neat really ... Not for everyone !

https://oasiscampervans.com

 

It's not my thing because I'd rather have a separate camper I can leave at a place and take my vehicle and explore the area but hey people do like them. If they didn't those VW camper vans would have never been popular for decades. It's amazing what people can do with them.

 

To this day my STi was the best thing I've ever driven in the snow. It was hilarious how much control I had over that car. Subaru understands their target market(s) well.

 

Would rather just have a sprinter or Ford transit than convert a sienna, seems more versatile albeit more expensive.

 

agreed snow apocolipse 2013 in Atlanta the subaru was a champ.

 

I am with you. It is not my thing either but I admire it.

I ran into this couple who lived in Brooklyn in a small apartment. They had a camper van all set up and spent a lot of time on the road (they worked from the van and at picnic tables with a mobile hot spot. The van was cute. Comfortable. and really seemed like a good fit for their lifestyle. Not my cup of tea but I get the appeal.

Ohe thing I do have a lot of respect for ... the van life kids (with mini vans in there too) have as much creativity and ingenuity as the TacomaWorld folks do. In different ways of course ... but still interesting ...

 

Look at this ... pretty interesting ...

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/you-can-turn-a-toyota-sienna-into-a-campervan-for-less-than-you-think/

For me, the older I get, comfort rules! Bring on the full on studio apartment on wheels converted from a Mercedes diesel.

 

van life has definitely blown up, a good friend of mine now makes a living off of building custom sprinters. This is his business.
https://rallyvans.com/

 

Agreed the outback I had would push through snow up to the bumper. They have been popular in places that get snow for good reason. The AWD system works well

 

most people i know tend to consider subaru to be one of the most reliable brands.

i dont think so, but they definitely have a reputation for being reliable among most non-car guy type people

 

I think the sprinter vans are nice because you can get a tall van and be able to stand up inside.

 

Wow. Those are great. I so need that Gobi build ...

I realize we are along way from the OP who had an engine blow up (at least, we think it happened) but as they say, "when your engine blows up, think about camper vans." They say that, right ?